Radioactive gas in Glasgow: Map reveals radon hotspots around the city

It is colorless, odorless and tasteless but it is everywhere.

However, the UK government states that “every building contains radon but levels are usually low”.

And that “the higher-level opportunities depend on the type of land.”

The radiation emitted from the elements can increase the risk of cancer.

The UK government has released a map showing where levels are most likely to rise.

The darker the color, the greater the chance of a higher level. The chance is less than one in a hundred homes in the white areas and more than one in three in the darkest areas.

The map shows that areas in Glasgow’s city center and the West End have been designated as hotspots, extending across most of the area along the River Clyde.

Likewise, hotspots in and around Drumchapel have been identified, with areas in Maryhill also affected.

On the south side, a cluster of areas have been identified near Pollock Country Park and Queens Park.

What is radon?

Radon is a natural radioactive gas that we cannot see, smell or taste.

The gas is formed from the radioactive decay of small amounts of uranium that occurs naturally in rocks and soil.

Why is it dangerous to our health?

When radioactive elements decay, they emit radiation. Exposure to this is a risk to our health as radiation can cause damage to living tissue and increase the risk of cancer in humans.

where is?

Radon is ubiquitous due to its formation from uranium in all rocks and soils.

Why is radiation harmful?

We are all exposed to radiation from both natural and man-made sources, but the radioactive elements produced by radon decay can be inhaled and enter our lungs.

Once inside our lungs, these elements continue to degrade, emit radiation and then absorb them by nearby lung tissue and cause local damage.

Studies have shown that increased exposure to radon increases the risk of lung cancer.